Frequently Asked Questions

Click on any of the following topics for more information.

What is Amateur Radio

Most of the time, it’s the most fun you can have with a radio. It’s a way to talk with people around the world, or even orbiting the world; to send e-mail without any sort of internet connection and to keep in touch with friends across town or across the country. But it is called the “Amateur Radio Service” because it also has a serious face. It’s a very important emergency communications system tool. When cell phones, regular phones, the internet and other systems are down or overloaded, Amateur Radio still gets the message through. Radio amateurs, often called hams, enjoy radio technology as a hobby that’s the fun part. But it’s also a service a vital service that has saved lives again and again when regular communication systems failed.

How do I become a club member?

If you would like to become a member of our club, we would love to have you! Our membership dues are $15 a year for an individual or $25 a year for family membership. You do not need to currently hold a license to join, just an interest in radio as a hobby.  Membership Application

Do I need an amateur license to become a member?

No, you may become a member of our club without a license.

How do I obtain my radio license?

The White Mountain Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team provides bi-monthly testing sessions (see the calendar for the next scheduled session), and upon request with enough interest a class can be scheduled.  There are several websites that offer testing help for free or fee.  Here is a link to a google search for Amateur Radio License Study Guide.

What are the ARRL and ARCA?

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the largest membership association of amateur radio enthusiasts in the USA. ARRL is a non-profit organization, and was co-founded on April 6, 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim and Clarence D. Tuska of Hartford, Connecticut. The ARRL represents the interests of amateur radio operators before federal regulatory bodies, provides technical advice and assistance to amateur radio enthusiasts, supports a number of educational programs, and sponsors emergency communications service throughout the country. The ARRL has approximately 154,000 members. In addition to members in the US, the organization claims over 7,000 members in other countries. The ARRL publishes many books and a monthly membership journal called QST. 

The Amateur Radio Council of Arizona, Inc. (ARCA) is a statewide organization comprised of Amateur Radio Clubs from all parts of Arizona, working for the betterment of Amateur Radio statewide. ARCA affiliated clubs present a unified front and have a means to exchange ideas and activities in the spirit of fraternity for which Amateur Radio is so famous. The objectives of the Council are to combine opinions, ideas, and strengths of the various clubs; to assist the affiliated clubs in promoting the welfare of the Amateur Radio fraternity; and to encourage activities that will benefit the art of Amateur Radio. Each affiliated club is represented by a delegate or alternate at each of the Council meetings (currently 6 per year). These delegates nominate and elect the officers of the Council and exchange suggestions on ARCA activities. Implementation begins after a majority vote of the representatives present.”